Venezuela's Illegal Mining Crisis Worsens Despite US Intervention

US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum's visit to Venezuela in March aimed to establish a 'legitimate mining sector' and remove criminal groups. However, critics say the situation has worsened since then. Officials have passed mining reform laws, taken down leaders of criminal groups, and raided illegal mining sites. Yet, observers report that illegal mining has expanded, with some cases occurring in protected areas. Criminal groups have tightened their hold in many parts of the country. Advocacy group SOSOrinoco founder Cristina Burelli stated that 'nothing has changed in the criminal and legal ecosystem' since the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro. In fact, some areas have seen an increase in illegal mining. Vendors continue to trade gold in gold-buying shops in El Callao, Venezuela.